Meghan Rose Scott

Music Composition for the Screen MFA '23

“I’ve learned valuable technological skills that I never thought I would understand,” says Meghan Rose Scott, a recent recipient of an MFA in Music Composition for the Screen.

What would you say has been the most surprising thing you learned at Columbia? 

I’ve learned valuable technological skills that I never thought I would understand, such as scripting code for virtual instruments, setting up interactive music with FMOD/Unity, and creating my own live setup with TouchOSC and PureData.

What individuals or programs at Columbia were helpful to you in reaching your goal of graduating? 

One of the most valuable experiences I had was learning from the composers-in-residence. I had the opportunity to get to know Vivek Maddala and Brandon Campbell each for about seven weeks. Having these two as mentors in the industry will surely set me up for success. 

What are your plans for after graduation?

I am moving to LA with the rest of my cohort to intern for a professional composer and complete our Semester in LA. After that, I hope to get a job as a composer’s assistant and start climbing my way up the ranks!

If you were going to sum up your experience at Columbia in one sentence, what would you say?

Forged in the fires of Columbia, I emerge from my program a new woman, who believes in her talent, knows what she wants, and trusts herself to prevail during stressful times.